PEOPLE have welcomed the opportunity to have their say on local and countywide issues as the new-look Local Area Forums.

The first report summarising the meetings - held in Herefordshire during March - went to Herefordshire Council's cabinet earlier this month, where councillors considered the issues raised at each forum.

As a result of the feedback, six further dates have been fixed, a member of cabinet and a member of the chief executive's management team will be present at each and the meetings will be more widely publicised.

People were also given the opportunity to suggest items for discussion at future forums and one of the suggestions was the Disability Discrimination Act.

The Unitary Development Plan - the blueprint for the future land use and development of the county - will be the main agenda item for all six meetings.

The next round of forums are: Ledbury's John Masefield School on Monday, May 24; Hereford's Shirehall on Wednesday, May 26; Fownhope village hall on Tuesday, June 1; Kingstone village hall on Wednesday, June 2; Kington's Lady Hawkins community centre on Monday, June 7; and John Kyrle School in Ross on Wye on Wednesday, June 9.

Agendas are currently being distributed to all info shops and libraries and are available on the website, www.herefordshire.gov.uk